American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success

A pterygium is defined as a benign growth on the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye. This growth typically arises from the limbus, the border between the cornea and the sclera, and can extend into the cornea itself. Pterygia are often associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight, dust, and wind, commonly found in environments with high ultraviolet (UV) light.

These growths can sometimes become symptomatic, leading to irritation, redness, and vision changes if they encroach upon the visual axis. Different from other eye conditions, pterygium is not a malignant tumor; hence, its classification as a benign growth is crucial. Patients may require treatment if the pterygium leads to discomfort or visual impairment but many cases remain asymptomatic and do not necessitate intervention.

In contrast, the other options represent different ocular conditions. Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases resulting in damage to the optic nerve, retinal detachment is a serious condition where the retina separates from the underlying tissue, and cataracts pertain to the clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to blurred vision. Each of these conditions has distinct classifications and implications that differ significantly from that